Academics at Center for Technology

ACADEMIC COURSE OFFERINGS

VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE INTRO TO COLLEGE ENGLISH/ ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1060

This Honors English dual enrollment course offers qualified seniors the opportunity to earn both a high school English credit and six college credits in English Composition. This course introduces students to four literary genres – the short story, poetry, the novel and drama – and to research writing. The course aims to 1) master the techniques of essay writing, 2) educate students about the rewards inherent in reading, analyzing and reflecting upon literature, 3) communicate effectively, both orally as well as in exposition, and 4) increase their awareness of their responsibilities as global citizens who have both technological and academic skills.” A student must have acceptable Accuplacer scores and recommendation from an English teacher. All students earn one high school English credit. Students must meet additional requirements to earn college credit. Enrollment is limited to 20 students. This is a full year class.

SENIOR ENGLISH

This course is for juniors and seniors interested in going to college. Students learn to read beyond comprehension and recall and for meaning and interpretation. They learn to write about abstract concepts using effective essay writing formulas.

ENGLISH 11/12

Looking for relevance in your English class? Look no further. A major goal of this English class is to link aspects of this course to your life, your needs, and your experience at CTE. Much of the reading, writing, and communication skills in this course focus on helping students prepare for further success in the job search, in the workplace, and in life. Projects throughout the year allow students to make a direct link between academic and technical training.

ALGEBRA 1

This course provides students with a foundation in algebra to prepare for further mathematics courses. Topics covered are: the real number system, a study of first-degree equations and inequalities, operations with algebraic expressions, factoring, polynomials, radicals, and a brief introduction to quadratic equations. Some lessons include the use of a graphing calculator.

ALGEBRA 2

Algebra 2 gives students more practice with basic algebraic operations and concepts. It then presents deeper concepts and more difficult operations for them to analyze and perform. Some of the topics covered are real numbers, equations and inequalities, polynomials, fractions, exponents, radicals, logarithms, sequences and series, complex numbers, graphing and analysis of functional relationships. Some lessons include the use of the graphing calculator.

INTRO TO ALGEBRA 2

Intro to Algebra 2 is intended as a bridging course to help students prepare for Algebra 2. Principles of Algebra 1 are reviewed and additional background is introduced to help students feel comfortable before moving into new topics in algebra. Topics include factoring, graphing, fractional equations, exponents, radicals, and inequalities. The class is paced as a mix between Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 topics.

VTC PRE CALCULUS 1 & 2

This six credit course is an opportunity for students to earn college credits through Vermont Technical College in 2 semester-long mathematics classes. It is meant to be a stepping-stone to college mathematics. The first semester we focus on strengthening and expanding algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry skills through work with systems of equations, factoring, quadratics, exponents, and radicals. During the second semester we explore the big ideas in trigonometry, logarithms, and complex numbers -- skills that both prepare students for college level mathematics and for being a thoughtfully engaged member of their community. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, Credit in Algebra 2, and Accuplacer scores.

GEOMETRY

Students are introduced to geometry principles they apply to the world of work. Topics include points, lines, circles, and properties of polygons, constructions with compass and straight edge, congruency, angle bisector, special projects and related vocabulary. Students maintain a computer-based log of activities with "Geogebra", a web based system that allows students to manipulate geometric concepts, focus on learning, and work at their own pace. Specific applications with graphic design, computer/internet web design, and building construction provide relevant connections to life and careers.

PRE-TECHNICAL MATH

As an integral component of our Pre-Tech Exploration program, students work through a series of application-based concepts of mathematics, geometry, measurement, algebra and related topics. Word problems, fractions, fractional equations, graphing, unit conversions, ratio and proportion are central to several real-world content applications. Geometric applications surfaces dimensions, measurement, right triangle, circles, and polygons are central to real-world skill application.

APPLIED SCIENCE

This course is designed to provide students with scientific literacy in Chemistry and Life Sciences. Topics are explored through inquiry, discussion, projects, lab investigations, research and technology. Basic concepts in biology and chemistry are woven into the curriculum. It provides an excellent foundation in the basic topics of general chemistry and biology, always placing an emphasis on how each topic relates to daily life. Lecture, demonstrations, videos, computer simulations and traditional hands-on lab activities are used throughout this course. This course has been designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards. Topics include scientific method and experimentation, biochemistry, ecology, human body systems, classifying matter, liquids, solids, gases and mixtures, properties of water, acids and bases, chemical bonds, and an introduction to chemical reactions.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

CTE offers physical education classes in two different formats. One class is offered every day and includes a variety of lifetime activities/ sports with an emphasis on fitness components and stress management. The other PE option is an independent study course where class meets once per week and includes a health club atmosphere, fitness components, stress management, and a variety of lifetime sports/ activities and independent workouts consisting of 240 minutes per week. Students in this class are required to complete a final personal fitness plan according to their interests and needs as a way to promote lifetime physical activity. Information learned in this course is applied to the students’ CTE programs to promote fitness and health in the workplace. Examples of units of study for both courses may include; ice-skating, weight training, yoga, Pilates, power walking, golf, biking, climbing wall, Frisbee, tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

ELL – ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

This course is for non-native English language speakers who need to improve their English skills in order to participate in CTE programs with confidence. The course is tailored to the specific needs of each program and the focus is on developing academic vocabulary relevant to the student’s field of study and their future workplace. Students work on research, presentation, and reading academic text skills needed in class as well as on building confidence and fluency for effective communication needed in their job search and professional working environment.

ELL – INDEPENDENT STUDY

A major goal of this course is to the meet particular language needs of every English language learner studying at CTE. Students work one-on-one with an ELL teacher to fill in any gaps in their English language learning, whether it is their pronunciation, grammar, or communication skills. This Independent Study also offers a high degree of flexibility and personalization. Students design an individual study plan together with the teacher and follow it through to prepare themselves for success in a chosen CTE program.

FINE ARTS

Through the assignments ​given in this Independent Study, students will explore different art techniques and media to create expressive and interesting artwork. Students will be pushed to think independently about assignments and to create interesting compositions. By the end of the semester students will have a portfolio that shows a range of knowledge and skills that they have learned through creating artwork.

DRIVER EDUCATION

This curriculum is designed to develop good driving skills, knowledge, and attitudes with an emphasis on safety. Classroom, simulation, range, and road experience will be included. Those students registering for Driver Education must obtain a Vermont Learner’s Permit prior to the first day of class each semester.

PUBLIC ISSUES

Public Issues is a social studies course that examines current events, public policy and civics. Students explore the foundations of American government, the principles of the Constitution, rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as current public policy challenges for local communities, Vermont, the United States and the world. The course utilizes a variety of instructional methods including: lecture, individual and cooperative assignments, simulations, discussion, research and student presentations. Throughout the semester students use current publications, media, and technology to stay informed about the issues facing us today at a local, state, national, and global level. Emphasis will be made on the importance of being an involved and informed citizen.

U.S. HISTORY

This social studies course attempts to connect our lives as Americans to the past, present, and future. Students will gain an understanding of some of the major events, people, places, and ideas that are affecting our world today, and connect these modern day events with the history that created them. This course will also present opportunities for students to learn to think critically, identify cause and effect, recognize and appreciate diversity, and understand key institutions, ideas and principles of human rights, government and economics. The course covers the following units through the lens of three central themes (politics/foreign policy; society/culture, and economy): the Civil War & Reconstruction, Westward Expansion/Native Americans, Industrialization & Progressivism, Imperialism & The Spanish-American War, World War I, The "Roaring Twenties" & the Great Depression, World War II & the Holocaust, the Cold War/Korea/Life in the 1950s, Civil Rights & Turmoil in the 1960s, Vietnam, and the 1970s-1990s.

In addition to the topics listed above, students also work on some critical skills, including reading, research, developing persuasive arguments, and writing

SENIOR PORTFOLIO

Senior Portfolio is a .5 credit social studies class that fulfills the senior project requirement for many sending schools. As part of the class, students create a professional portfolio of work that they can use to represent their job skills and qualifications in an employment or college interview. The project consists of multiple components that include professional documentation (resume, letters of recommendation), community service work, reflective essays and work samples that demonstrate the students' proficiency in their career area. Students finish the course with a demonstrated learning presentation in an area of their expertise.